You wake up feeling simultaneously parched and greasy. Dog tired and down at heel. What’s to be done?
Don’t just lie about feeling sorry for yourself, hop into the shower and then slap on some hangover helpers. A good dousing (external this time) is the first step in your preparation to face the world. Clean hair and skin won’t fix how you are feeling, but at least you won’t look like you’ve crawled from the crypt. Then it’s time to focus on a few proven refreshers.
1. Exfoliate
Gentle facial exfoliation will pep-up your circulation and slough off some of that scummy feeling, allowing products to better penetrate and rehydrate your skin.
2. Slather a serum
Serums and moisturisers with light gel textures will feel more face-friendly by day than heavy creams. Better yet if they contain hyaluronic acid, to help bind moisture into your complexion.
3. Get your glow on
This is peak prime time. You want to look healthy, even if you don't feel it. Use a glow-enhancing primer, to help trick a fresh-faced look. It may be all you need to get by on at the weekend, especially if you have dark glasses handy. If not…
4. Conceal properly
Concealer is the one product you shouldn't just slap on quickly in your fragile state. Blend it properly to disguise dark circles and redness. Leave unblemished areas uncovered, because seeing skin's tone and texture can be more flattering than over-layering makeup.
5. Opt for creamy formulations
If you feel a little more coverage is called for, look to a BB cream or a glow-enhancing foundation. Avoid anything too matte or powdery as drier formulas run the risk of making you look more tired. Mist your face to refresh during the day.
6. Embrace pink
To feel in the pink, embrace this feminine colour. It really is flattering, an indicator of youthful radiance. Add a little to your cheeks, preferably in a cream or stain. A touch of pink-tinged balm or gloss is a nice touch to almost indiscernibly plump the look of lips.
7. Highlighter
If you're into finessing your face, use a highlighting pen to add a little distracting light relief. Skip extensive contouring and illuminating. It's not a good idea to turn up the wattage if you're in no condition to be seen in your best light.
8. Open those eyes
Don't bother much, if at all, with eye makeup, especially if your hand is unsteady although a nude liner applied on the lower rim is an eye opener. Near neutral-toned cream or crayon eyeshadow and mascara are easy extras.
9. Pop a bright lipstick
Lips, on the other hand, are worth making a feature of, especially if you're having to front up and feel confident in your fragile state. A bright red or pink lipstick will make your skin look clearer and provide a focal point for your face, taking attention away from tired eyes. Avoid very dark lipstick shades or anything too pastel, near-natural is better than wishy-washy. Better yet, go bold or stay home.
10. Cocktail colours
Hair of the dog is a hideous-sounding remedy, but beauty wise we reckon there's a lot to be said for indulging in cocktails strictly for appearance inspiration. Shades like peach bellini, cosmopolitan and champagne are super-flattering on the face. We're transferring our love of a good dirty martini to looking out for the best khaki lacquer mix for our nails. Shaken, not stirred!
STOCKISTS: Dr Hausckhka; Drunk Elephant, Glam Glow and Nars from selected Mecca Cosmetica and Maxima stores, see Meccabeauty.co.nz. Lancome from selected department stores and pharmacies. Lush; Weleda.
